Sport has become a mass phenomenon, an event industry – which in turn made it into an important economic factor. In industrial countries this sector contributes about 2% to the economic performance. In Austria, more than 7% of the GDP are achieved through sports. In Germany, professional soccer alone contributes 0.2% to the GDP. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are directly or indirectly connected with sports. This sector remains rather unaffected by the economic crisis – strong growth can be expected in this sector for the coming years as well.
Money flows is not the only thing caused by sports and a wider sphere is influenced by it. There is no doubt that the speed of the social-cultural development of a city, country or region can be increased by large sporting events. Currently, all of Africa looks to the south of the continent in hope that the World Cup effects more than just South Africa.
In South Africa, the World Cup has caused a significant improvement of its infrastructure – and with it a long-term benefit. For example, a large-scale programme to modernize and expand the country’s power supply infrastructure was begun. Telecommunications and transportation networks have been massively expanded. The first high-speed train line in Africa has been opened on time for the World Cup.
Sportive points of interest
The new construction and remodelling of soccer stadiums has given ten South African metropolises new landmarks. These sports stadiums have given the World Cup a definite look. Modern design, high technology and the region’s cultural tradition have been skilfully combined. For instance, the exterior of the largest stadium in Africa – the Soccer City in Johannesburg – resembles the African drinking vessel called Kalebasse. The stadiums in other locations have also become well known symbols and architectural points of interest, such as the Bird’s Nest in Beijing or the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The Allianz Arena, constructed by ALPINE between 2002 and 2005, has become a Mecca for both soccer and architectural fans alike. The facade has been constructed with highly innovative technologies and by now is an attraction for both soccer fans and experts. It consists of about 3,000 air cushions made of merely 0.2 mm thin foil that can be illuminated in red, blue and white with about 4,000 specially developed lights. The membranes are self-cleaning, are continuously aerated and weigh only about a 30th of the weight of glass.
Austria competes internationally
Domestic companies play in the top international sporting league. Austrian products and know-how are in high demand in the sports and event industry. The eye catching facade of the Soccer City Johannesburg for instance is made of fibre glass concrete sheets made in Salzburg. The Vorarlberg Doppelmayr Group is the world leader in cable cars and has constructed cable cars in more than 80 countries. Even several Austrian companies are involved simultaneously in the construction and modernization of skiing regions in Turkey and Africa.
ALPINE is also part of this world league in the construction of stadiums. In addition to the construction of the Allianz Arena, the construction of the Dubai Cricket Stadium is also one of the company’s prestigious projects. For the European Soccer Championship 2008, the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg and the Tivoli Stadium in Innsbruck were reconstructed by ALPINE as part of a consortium – and the Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt was newly constructed. For the EURO 2012 event held in Poland and Ukraine, spectacular new stadiums are currently being constructed in Danzig and Warsaw.
Sustainability in the construction of stadiums
ALPINE faces new challenges in the construction of the new soccer stadium for St. Pölten. New sustainability benchmarks are being set for this stadium. It is to become the most environmentally friendly stadium in Austria and is to excel through particularly high energy efficiency. The ecological and renewable construction material is wood which is extensively used – the design’s optical impression is dominated by its wooden roof structure – it is to create a family friendly atmosphere.
The planning provides for about 8,000 seats, five VIP lounges as well as a Business Club for more than 800 guests of honour. Additionally, there will be a restaurant with Fan Shop and its very own kindergarten. In spring of 2011, the construction will begin once the environmental impact assessment has been completed. The completion is planned for 2012. The net contract value of this project is about Euro 18.3 million.
Visualization of the St. Pölten Stadium:
Header photo: Allianz Arena Munich
